Navigating Mental Health: Support from Occupational Therapy Services
Navigating Mental Health: Support from Occupational Therapy Services
Understanding the Complex Landscape of Mental Health
Mental health is a unique journey, affecting individuals of all backgrounds. From depression to anxiety and beyond, the challenges are diverse. At the heart of it, nearly 6.7 million Canadians navigate the intricate landscape of mental health, and that’s a journey we’re dedicated to supporting.
“Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It’s about having the resilience to cope with life’s challenges, work productively, and contribute to our community.”
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Key facts and statistics related to mental health in Canada:
- 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness in any given year.
- By the age of 40, 1 in 2 Canadians have, or have had, a mental illness.
- Mental illness and substance use conditions are leading causes of disability in Canada.
- There is a connection between mental and physical health. Those with enduring physical health conditions, such as chronic pain, have a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing mood disorders. Conversely, individuals grappling with a mood disorder face an elevated risk of developing long-term medical conditions.
- There is a net cost benefit to investing in mental health support demonstrated via:
- Health promotion and illness prevention programs
- Early intervention aimed for children and families
- Scaled-up treatment for depression and anxiety disorders
- Workplace mental health programs
CAMH: Facts and Statistics
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapy helps individuals return to meaningful activities; the things you need to do and the things you want to do. We serve as catalysts for your unique recovery journey, identifying strengths and building pathways to navigate challenges. Some of the ways we facilitate this:
- Collaborate with individuals and their families to identify meaningful activities to work towards.
- Help set and track short and long-term goals and progress.
- Teach a variety of functional strategies to overcome personal challenges (e.g. mindfulness techniques)
- Work together with clients and families to understand how mental illness affects their lives.
- Analyze and modify daily activities to suit individual needs and capabilities, ensuring optimal engagement and satisfaction in various life domains.
- Assess and modify environments to create supportive and conducive spaces.
- Evaluate skills, interests, values, and strengths to help clients return to, or seek suitable employment.
- Assist clients in structuring daily activities so clients can balance what they want, need, and are expected to do.
“Mental health is the foundation for well-being and effective functioning for an individual and for a community.”
Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
Reach Out:
At Symmetry Rehab, our experienced occupational therapists recognize the impact of mental health challenges, understanding the intricate interplay between individual experience and broader context, allowing us to tailor services with utmost sensitivity. We aim to help you not only problem solve challenges, but move towards a life resonating with joy, purpose, and resilience. Whether seeking personalized support or comprehensive services for your clients, reach out to us today.
Email: info@symmetryrehab.ca
Phone: 604-751-0280
Additional Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca/
CAMH: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: https://www.camh.ca/
Occupational Therapy and Mental Health- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
https://caot.ca/document/4059/Mental%20Health%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
